R&B singer Mariah the Scientist (born Mariah Amani Buckles) made a homecoming appearance at her alma mater, Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia, on Friday, October 23, 2026. The visit coincided with the school’s hosting of the 2026 Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame Game at Buck Godfrey Stadium, where the Southwest DeKalb Panthers faced the undefeated Mays Raiders.
Mariah the Scientist Returns to Southwest DeKalb
Buckles graduated early from Southwest DeKalb (originally slated for the class of 2015, she finished in 2014). She was active in school activities, including cheerleading and dance, and has spoken about her time there and her early interest in science. She later enrolled at St. John’s University in New York City with plans to become a pediatric anesthesiologist before leaving during her junior year to pursue music full-time. After being discovered by Tory Lanez, she built a successful career with albums including Master (2019), Ry Ry World (2021), To Be Eaten Alive (2023), and the 2025 release Hearts Sold Separately, which produced hits such as “Burning Blue” and “Is It a Crime” (with Kali Uchis). She is engaged to Young Thug.
Friday’s game drew significant attention as part of the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame festivities. Mays rallied from a 21-7 deficit to defeat Southwest DeKalb 34-31 in double overtime. D’Andre Hennix of Mays earned MVP honors after catching three touchdowns, including the game-winner. The event also honored the 2026 Hall of Fame class ahead of the induction ceremony.
Mariah the Scientist joined the SCORE Atlanta broadcast team on the field as a special guest and alumna. The outlet highlighted her as a “very special Southwest DeKalb Alumni” and “hometown hero” supporting her alma mater. Photos from the night show her in a glamorous sequined gold-and-black dress with cutouts and feather details, holding a microphone while appearing on set with SCORE reporters on the field under the stadium lights. Fans and local accounts also noted her taking the field with the Southwest DeKalb band and dance team during homecoming activities. A Southwest DeKalb Homecoming Alumni After Party was held the same evening nearby.
The appearance resonated with local fans and alumni, many of whom expressed surprise and pride that the Atlanta-born artist (who has maintained ties to Georgia) had attended the school. Her presence underscored a full-circle moment for the singer, who has risen from a science-focused high school student on the east side of Atlanta to a charting R&B artist while still showing support for her roots.
Mariah continues to tour in support of Hearts Sold Separately and remains active in both music and public life. Her return to Southwest DeKalb highlighted the lasting connection many artists maintain with the high schools that shaped them.